Page title and description

Salads
Spiced cucumber
Ingredients
- 3 small or 2 large cucumbers
- 4 tsp salt
- 4 tbsp Chinese rice vinegar or 3 tbsp white wine vinegar
- 6 tbsp caster sugar
- 2 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp groundnut or vegetable oil
- 3-6 dried red chillies (according to taste), de-seeded and cut into pieces
Method
Prep time:
3h
PT3H
Cooking time:
15 min
PT15M
-
Step 1
Cut the cucumbers lengthwise into quarters. Scoop out and discard the seeds, then slice the cucumber across into 2cm pieces. -
Step 2
Put them into a clean, grease-free bowl, sprinkle with the salt and stir well. Leave to stand at room temperature for 2-3 hours. During this time, the moisture will be drawn out from the cucumbers. -
Step 3
Drain the cucumbers, then squeeze out excess moisture either by hand or in a tea towel or a salad spinner. Transfer to a clean bowl, add the vinegar and sugar and mix well. -
Step 4
Heat both the oils in a small saucepan until they just starting to smoke. -
Step 5
Remove the pan from the heat and wait for a few seconds until the smoke has disappeared before adding the chillies - otherwise they will burn. -
Step 6
Let the chillies sizzle in the oil, then tip them into the bowl with the cucumber and mix well. -
Step 7
Leave to stand for at least 6 hours or overnight in the fridge. Serve as an accompaniment, or as a canapé with cocktail sticks for spearing the pieces.